Volunteers track down illicit smokers in Beijing

World Today

It’s been a year since Beijing introduced a city-wide smoking ban in public places. Authorities said more than $170000 has been collected in fines against violators.

Some of the success is the result of the work by 12000 anti-smoking volunteers.

CCTV’s John Metherell reports on the volunteers.

China has more smokers than any other country, an estimated 300 million, but thanks to efforts of local volunteers, they are having success enforcing smoking restrictions in Beijing.

When the law was enacted, many were skeptical. Now, anti-smoking volunteers show up at parks, bus stops, restaurants and workplaces, asking people to put out their cigarettes.

They have no power to issue fines, but their presence puts pressure on offenders.

Businesses that fail to snuff out smoking can be forced to pay up to $1600, while smokers face $5 penalties.